Heavy rains take toll on Bolivia

Feb. 13 - Annual torrential rains in Bolivia have left the capital and surrounding area reeling from major floods. Jessica Gray reports.

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Annual torrential rains in Bolivia are pushing river banks to the brink.
In and around the capital La Paz, flood waters have washed out bridges and destroyed crops.
Officials say the rivers have also breached homes.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) EDWIN MALLEA, SUPERVISOR FOR LA PAZ MAYOR'S OFFICE, SAYING:
"Up high, for example, we have had massive floods in [several] homes along with debris and mud."
On Tuesday, much of the south end of the city was still covered in mud.
Most of the flooding stemmed from heavy rains on Sunday and Monday, which raised levels in an already saturated water table.
Farmers around three hours from La Paz asked the government for help after seeing their livelihoods washed away.
Officials say rains have caused 18 deaths since November and affected 8,700 families.